EVERTON FC have confirmed they are in talks with Kilmarnock over the transfer of 17-year-old striker Matthew Kennedy.

But Killie boss Kenny Shiels has criticised the Blues for “pickling” the young winger’s mind.

The Toffees have made a £250,000 bid for the Scotland youth international, who has impressed in the SPL since making his debut as a 16-year-old.

But Shiels says: “The boy’s head has been pickled with talk of Everton. There are negotiations taking place at the top end of each club.

“I have spoken to Matty’s father and told him what I think is the best thing for his son’s career. A young lad’s career is the most important thing here, not finances.”

David Moyes, however, believes his own track record for developing promising youngsters will convince Kennedy and Kilmarnock that the youngster’s future lies at Goodison.

With the Blues having lost a number of young players this summer – Joao Silva, James Wallace, Jose Baxter and Adam Forshaw – Moyes is looking to bolster the younger element of his squad.

Kennedy made his SPL debut against Hibernian in November 2011, having featured on the subs bench seven times the previous season. He was used as an emergency frontman in Kille’s opening three games of this season after injuries to regular strikers Rory Boulding, William Gros and Paul Heffernan.

Kennedy clearly doesn’t lack confidence. He said after an impressive pre-season: “Obviously the situation now gives me a chance.

“I’m more a wide player than a striker but because of my size the gaffer gave me an opportunity up front and I’ve tried my best.

“I lose the ball quite a lot trying to take players on and the manager said I have to grow up because he’s throwing me in at the deep end.